Beverage Dispenser Piston Valve for Carbonation Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing systems for smaller beverage containers, such as growlers, fail to maintain carbonation and prevent oxidation effectively, leading to rapid deterioration of beverages and wastage, and are often difficult to clean and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A beverage dispenser apparatus with a base, piston member, and compressed gas housing that maintains a seal and positive pressure within the container, using a flow path with multiple constricting points and a valve system to control gas flow, allowing for easy dispensing and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a cap is replaced to re-seal the container, then carbonation is maintained for a few days, but the beverage becomes flat and deteriorates in flavor after that

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbonation maintenance periodVSAvoidbeverage quality preservation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a pneumatic system with a gas supply source (CO2 or N2) that maintains positive pressure within the container. This pressure differential prevents air ingress and preserves carbonation indefinitely, overcoming the limitation of simple mechanical re-sealing caps that only provide temporary protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an inert gas environment (CO2 or N2) into the container headspace, creating a protective atmosphere that prevents oxidation and contamination. This inert barrier remains stable over time, unlike the degradable seal of a replaced cap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Loss of substance

If a dispensing system is added to allow controlled pouring, then beverage wastage is reduced, but the device becomes difficult to clean and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage wastageVSAvoidcleaning and maintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing system is divided into separate, modular components including a removable piston assembly, detachable valve, and separable gas supply connection. This segmentation allows each component to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement, maintaining ease of maintenance while enabling controlled dispensing to reduce wastage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a movable piston that can be positioned to open or close the dispensing valve dynamically. This mechanical actuation provides precise control over beverage flow, allowing users to dispense exact amounts and minimize waste, while the dynamic design facilitates easy disassembly for cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If pressure is increased to force beverage out at a reasonable rate, then dispensing speed improves, but the container may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage dispensing rateVSAvoidcontainer integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system regulates pressure through adjustable parameters including a flow control valve and piston positioning mechanism. These parameters can be modified to optimize dispensing rate while maintaining pressure below the container's damage threshold, achieving a balance between speed and safety through parameter optimization rather than maximum pressure application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively preserves carbonation, reduces beverage wastage by allowing controlled dispensing, and facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance of parts.

Implementation Method 1

maintains a seal and positive pressure within the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPositive pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a flow path with multiple constricting points and a valve system to control gas flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure regulation through constricting points: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 3

as the handle is pivoted toward the base, the piston member is forced through the lateral channel of the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9950917B2Beverage preservation and dispensing device

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 BG TAPS LLC

AI summary

There is shown a dispensing apparatus for use with pressurized containers of fluids, particularly carbonated beverages such as beer. A base that fits onto the container has a piston member slidably fitted to it, along with a compressed gas housing and a pickup tube or assembly. A handle moves the piston member with respect to the base against a spring bias. A gas flow path from the housing to the container passes through a valve, that is opened by the piston member as the handle is moved. Moving the handle opens both a liquid flow path as well as a gas flow path.